Cape Town - Palesa Matjekane, a 35-year-old woman from Bryanston, Johannesburg, is a wife, mother of two, a businesswoman and has now been crowned Mrs South Africa 2023 during a sparking ceremony at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace on November 11.
Mrs. South Africa is a pageant and female empowerment program for married women in South Africa, contestants range between the ages of 25- 55-years of age and are mature, driven, ambitious and most of all real, relatable African women.
Since the pageant finalists embarked on the journey, the organisation said each of them underwent a journey of self-development and growth, they broke out of their shells and became voices for change in their communities, and women working to empower others beyond the Mrs SA platform.
A roaring round of applause and cheers were heard as Matjekane was announced the winner of the pageant and crowned by Mrs South Africa 2022, Jo Judnick-Wilson.
The ceremony was hosted by South African TV presenter Katlego Maboe with live judging taking place for the first time at the preliminary competition on November 10.
Runners-up were 39-year-old Hlengiwe Sabela from Durban (first Princess) and Léchar Knezovich from Midrand (second Princess).
Matjekane is the founder and managing director of both Formation Group (ITC) and Maison Lisa (Fashion). In her leisure time Matjekane takes a lead role in uplifting others by founding and chairing youth education (ITC) and women empowerment initiatives through Woman in Formation Africa Foundation.
“I am Palesa Matjekane and I am your new Mrs South Africa,” Matjekane said.
Mrs South Africa CEO Joani Johnson said Mrs South Africa said: “While changing women, we have changed ourselves. While empowering others, we have become empowered and while teaching others, we have learnt so much.
“I recently read a quote which really resonated with me: I am here to support women until the day I die. And that is what we do at Mrs South Africa.”